Ornament and Identity

Abstract

The text shows the way of creating and shaping identity in the area of Hrvatska Posavina and Dubrovčak Lijevi and Topolje on the example of the folk costume Hrvatica. This type of formal women's folk costume for girls and younger women was formed in the second half of the 19th century. Between the two world wars, it came out of everyday use and, under the influence of Seljačka sloga (Peasant Unity), continued to exist as a representative costume for national, regional and church occasions. Around the Second World War, it began to be decorated with a motif, which was taken from the cover of the women's magazine “Hrvatica” from 1940, as well as the name. Although the motif was transferred from Brezovica folk costume, where its current name or the role, apart from an aesthetic one, was not recorded. By recontextualization into folk costume from Posavina, it gains identity meaning which was associated with current socio-political context over time. The attitude towards the folk costume Hrvatica in Hrvatska Posavina and Dubrovčak Lijevi and Topolje is very emotional and associated with a strong sense of identity.